French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu expressed over the weekend the intention to modify the current composition of the French Navy’s surface fleet with the acquisition of three additional FDI frigates, which are built by Naval Group. Although budgetary and parliamentary approval is still pending, the goal of acquiring these new vessels would be to increase the projected number of surface combat units from 15 to 18.
The French Navy faces a high level of operational demands in multiple deployment scenarios that require the presence of so-called “first-class” ships. Despite the alleged shortage, the Navy has managed to meet its objectives thanks to the high operational availability of its vessels. However, the current international situation places significant pressure on the French surface fleet, limiting its ability to operate in multiple theaters simultaneously. In a televised interview, Lecornu acknowledged that the current size of the French armed forces is insufficient and emphasized the need to accelerate rearmament in all domains to prepare for “high-intensity” conflicts.
Regarding the FDI frigates, these are part of the Navy’s Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention (FDI) program, consisting of a series of next-generation multipurpose vessels with a displacement of 4,500 tons. This program is part of a strategic plan launched by the French Ministry of Defense in 2013, with the overall goal of having 15 “first-class” frigates, combining various types of units with specific and multipurpose roles.
Currently, the French Navy’s fleet consists of eight FREMM frigates (six specialized in anti-submarine warfare and two in air defense), two Horizon-class air defense destroyers, and five La Fayette-class frigates. The latter, despite undergoing modernization, are set to be replaced by the aforementioned FDI frigates, which are currently being built in shipyards in Lorient. The first vessel, Amiral Ronarc’h (D660), was launched in 2022 and has since begun sea and systems trials. So far, available information suggests that the French Navy could order three additional ships of this type.
From other sectors, some highlight that one of the challenges of this project lies in funding, something that Lecornu himself has acknowledged. To address this, an event is expected to take place in March, bringing together private investors and defense sector companies to explore financing mechanisms for expanding the French surface fleet. If the necessary funds are secured, the French Navy will likely proceed with the acquisition of three additional FDI frigates.
Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
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